Edibles Cannabis and bipolar disorder

[Juicewrldfan]

So I just got discharged fr the hospital for stabilization in regards to bipolar disorder. I know stims are bad very bad for bipolar disorder and I have zero interest in stims or any other drugs except weed.

I hear weed helps some with bipolar disorder but others it causes psychosis. It never has done that to me, but I’m wondering what people’s thoughts are on weed and bipolar disorder? What’s your experience or knowledge about it? Does it help you or your friend with bipolar disorder or hinder you? Of course dose and frequency matter.

For me personally I find that weed is safe at least on surface level but any other drugs are not. Yet maybe I’m not seeing everything so that’s why I’m here.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[idontremember]

Do you have a history of psychosis? If you do, then I'd be really careful with weed. If you don't, obviously still becareful with your history, but I think the real concern is if you have had psychotic breaks in your past. Another thing to think about is if a close relative (parent, sibling, etc) has a history of psychosis. If yes, then there's always the chance that you have that latent inside you. Just becareful.

 

[helpingout]

Weeds not good for people with bipolar if they’re untreated, same with stims. I think if you’re taking antipsychotics then it’s easier to smoke weed but it’s still just something to be avoided. Neither bad nor good. If directed to take stims by a shrink for a co morbidity then you need to take those meds and again try to avoid the weed.

Weed is great for some people but Bo people don’t need any of that devils lettuce to make their life possibly harder. 25% of bipolar people will commit suicide. Sometimes bud can send people into that psychotic break and they might not come back. It’s just a risk. Admittedly you can take a calculated risk and probably be fine but it’s just not worth adding into the mix.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Weeds not good for people with bipolar if they’re untreated, same with stims. I think if you’re taking antipsychotics then it’s easier to smoke weed but it’s still just something to be avoided. Neither bad nor good. If directed to take stims by a shrink for a co morbidity then you need to take those meds and again try to avoid the weed.

Weed is great for some people but Bo people don’t need any of that devils lettuce to make their life possibly harder. 25% of bipolar people will commit suicide. Sometimes bud can send people into that psychotic break and they might not come back. It’s just a risk. Admittedly you can take a calculated risk and probably be fine but it’s just not worth adding into the mix.

^ This is not all true. Tread carefully.

@Juicewrldfan - my thoughts, as you ask for, are that it can be risky. What does weed do for you? Why do you feel the need to meditate with it?

 

[Juicewrldfan]

Do you have a history of psychosis? If you do, then I'd be really careful with weed. If you don't, obviously still becareful with your history, but I think the real concern is if you have had psychotic breaks in your past. Another thing to think about is if a close relative (parent, sibling, etc) has a history of psychosis. If yes, then there's always the chance that you have that latent inside you. Just becareful.

No I do not have a history of psychosis. My disorder has not progressed to that level. I do get manic but not to the point of hallucinations auditory or otherwise.

Weeds not good for people with bipolar if they’re untreated, same with stims. I think if you’re taking antipsychotics then it’s easier to smoke weed but it’s still just something to be avoided. Neither bad nor good. If directed to take stims by a shrink for a co morbidity then you need to take those meds and again try to avoid the weed.

Weed is great for some people but Bo people don’t need any of that devils lettuce to make their life possibly harder. 25% of bipolar people will commit suicide. Sometimes bud can send people into that psychotic break and they might not come back. It’s just a risk. Admittedly you can take a calculated risk and probably be fine but it’s just not worth adding into the mix.

Yeah, I’m leaning towards just leaving it alone now.

^ This is not all true. Tread carefully.

@Juicewrldfan - my thoughts, as you ask for, are that it can be risky. What does weed do for you? Why do you feel the need to meditate with it?

I think it’s just hard for me to put all drugs down but if I kept weed as a hark reduction option so when I’m craving stims I just eat an edible and it gets rid of the cravings for me. I only mean this as a last resort but I am taking part in recovery support groups now as well.

They finally got me on a good medication regimen. I take lithium 300mg twice a day and seraquel 150mg at bedtime 25 mg at morning and noon. Never felt so clear headed. Yeah guess I won’t mess with weed again. I did last night and was only thinking like using it once or twice a month but that usually ends up being a every day thing anyway so yeah may as well just leave it alone and not risk destabilization.

 

[Jabberwocky]

No I do not have a history of psychosis. My disorder has not progressed to that level. I do get manic but not to the point of hallucinations auditory or otherwise.

Yeah, I’m leaning towards just leaving it alone now.

I think it’s just hard for me to put all drugs down but if I kept weed as a hark reduction option so when I’m craving stims I just eat an edible and it gets rid of the cravings for me. I only mean this as a last resort but I am taking part in recovery support groups now as well.

They finally got me on a good medication regimen. I take lithium 300mg twice a day and seraquel 150mg at bedtime 25 mg at morning and noon. Never felt so clear headed. Yeah guess I won’t mess with weed again. I did last night and was only thinking like using it once or twice a month but that usually ends up being a every day thing anyway so yeah may as well just leave it alone and not risk destabilization.

Dude, that's amazing!

I've been on both those drugs as well. Eventually 1200 lithium, was on 200 Seroquel at home but up to 800 when inpatient to chill me out.

Both as you may feel are sedating. So added weed I wonder what the motivation would be like work ect however everyone reacts differently, like I said be weary of adding drugs just for the sake of adding drugs, BUT yes in the name of harm reduction? Danks over crystals every single day, in my humble opinion and experience.

I have had BP episodes that may have been induced by weed though. Not sure, it's very touchy, case by case, I'd feel it out but please do not ingest too much right off the bat.

Because as other posters said / alluded to, the anxiety could turn into something very uncomfortable. If you haven't smoked in a while the high could be borderline-psychadelic.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Also I've read about mood disorder onset speed up by youth weed smoking. So there might be a correlation that is not a healthy one. So, not entirely sure, because honestly I enjoy it time to time, probably not necessarily a choice one should make if one can help it, though. Which is why I asked why you are considering adding it to a regimen that's already working?

I understand the want to use though, just be careful the dose as I was saying.

 

[aokorn]

I am 63 years old and started using cannabis for the first time at the age of 21. Four years later, I suffered from psychosis, which then recurred three times. I have been taking psychopharmaceuticals ever since, now for eight years Seroquel (200) and Risperidone (2ml).

I do not know if I would have contracted psychosis then if I had not smoked weed. I don't even wonder that much, or rather, I don't feel ashamed. I have been using weed again and again with long pauses - now for a good year no more. Mainly because I feel good without weed, despite the medication. And I don't want to change the way I feel, which is very creative (I play classical guitar). I think if I started smoking again, that creative phase would be over. At least that's my experience from before.

I'll let it last...

 

[Juicewrldfan]

I am 63 years old and started using cannabis for the first time at the age of 21. Four years later, I suffered from psychosis, which then recurred three times. I have been taking psychopharmaceuticals ever since, now for eight years Seroquel (200) and Risperidone (2ml).

I do not know if I would have contracted psychosis then if I had not smoked weed. I don't even wonder that much, or rather, I don't feel ashamed. I have been using weed again and again with long pauses - now for a good year no more. Mainly because I feel good without weed, despite the medication. And I don't want to change the way I feel, which is very creative (I play classical guitar). I think if I started smoking again, that creative phase would be over. At least that's my experience from before.

I'll let it last...

Yeah. I’m going to reserve my use of it ONLY for harm reduction when my cravings for stims are too high and at risk of using. Other than that I’m steering clear.

That said had a close call today that scared me. Still shook. Almost relapsed. I didn’t and I didn’t use weed to get thru it.

 

[washingtonbound]

So I just got discharged fr the hospital for stabilization in regards to bipolar disorder. I know stims are bad very bad for bipolar disorder and I have zero interest in stims or any other drugs except weed.

I hear weed helps some with bipolar disorder but others it causes psychosis. It never has done that to me, but I’m wondering what people’s thoughts are on weed and bipolar disorder? What’s your experience or knowledge about it? Does it help you or your friend with bipolar disorder or hinder you? Of course dose and frequency matter.

For me personally I find that weed is safe at least on surface level but any other drugs are not. Yet maybe I’m not seeing everything so that’s why I’m here.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Weed has been a nightmare for me when it comes to psychosis. In fact it has been worse than every other drug I've tried in that aspect. And it seems to make depressive/anxious symptoms a lot worse in the rebound. In my opinion it's really bad news for people with bipolar. This is just my experience but I'm actually convinced that my bipolar symptoms may have not shown up if I wasn't a daily weed user from 18-20.

 

[CfZrx]

1) Speaking only for myself and not advocating anyone follow my way...All I can say is that if its a choice between THC and alcohol, then THC is a much safer choice. Alcohol's role in psychosis is so understated. If the bipolar is a bad strain, then weed is a no-go by the way.

 

[Curt Mandible]

I think the key lies in understanding your own body's response and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in mental health and substance use. Factors like dosage, frequency of use, and individual brain chemistry all play significant roles.

For example, I use CBD oil to manage my anxiety, about 30 ml per month, obtained through Releaf, a private medical cannabis clinic. I always consult with them regarding dosage and timing, as they provide personalized guidance based on my needs.

So, discuss any cannabis use with your healthcare provider.

 

[aokorn]

I think the key lies in understanding your own body's response and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in mental health and substance use. Factors like dosage, frequency of use, and individual brain chemistry all play significant roles.

I think the emphasis on 'health professionals' is correct. However, I come from a country where cannabis is criminalised. I do not know where to turn? A doctor, a psychiatrist? In our country, professionals with experience of drug users are very rare and far from sufficient for everyone. General practitioners, in my personal opinion, refuse drugs and, in my opinion, are not in a position to advise adequately

Those users of this forum who come from countries where real help in this field is organised, you can be happy!

 

[Curt Mandible]

I totally get it, it can be tough to find help in countries where drug use is criminalized. Online resources like this forum can be a good starting point, but I know it's not the same as talking to a knowledgeable doctor or psychiatrist. If you can't find a suitable doc, you might try reaching out to local harm reduction organizations or NGOs that focus on drug policy and education. They might be able to point you in the right direction.